Road rage is a very real phenomenon that many, many motorists have encountered (and fear encountering again) on our roadways. Road rage refers to an extreme version of aggressive driving, and it amounts to a driver who unleashes the full force of his or her rage – often brought on by traffic – behind the wheel. While the State of Texas has no law that mentions road rage on its books, many of the actions commonly associated with road rage can lead to criminal charges.
Road Rage Happens
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reports that acts of aggression on our road are not uncommon and that some drivers take things beyond aggression with even-more dangerous actions that devolve into actual road rage. Consider the following two important statistics:
- Nearly 4 percent of drivers have self-reported leaving their own vehicle to confront another driver on the road.
- Nearly 3 percent of drivers have self-reported purposefully bumping or ramming another vehicle.
These are the kinds of actions that can quickly morph into violent traffic accidents and/or violence on the roadside.
Aggressive Driving Often Leads to Road Rage
While there are no specific road rage charges in Texas, actions associated with road rage can lead to any number of charges that range from misdemeanors all the way to serious felonies. Incidences of road rage are typically precipitated by aggressive driving, which can include any of the following:
- Speeding excessively
- Weaving in and out of lanes
- Tailgating
- Verbally abusing or threatening another motorist
- Honking incessantly
- Gesturing obscenely at another motorist
- Passing illegally on the left or even on the shoulder
- Ignoring traffic signs, lights, and signals
- Failing to yield the right of way
From here things can swiftly progress into dangerous forms of road rage, such as purposefully running another car off the road, hitting another car on purpose, physically confronting another motorist, encouraging one's passenger(s) to violently interact with another motorist, using any kind of weapon to harm another person or vehicle on the road.
Specific Charges
Charges that are specifically related to road rage generally begin with moving violations (such as any of the aggressive driving actions mentioned), which can lead to jail time (depending upon your driving history and upon the nature of the alleged moving violation in question). Progressively more serious charges related to road rage can include:
- Reckless driving
- Deadly misconduct
- Assault and battery
- Vehicular manslaughter
In other words, acts of road rage can lead to serious charges that require serious legal attention.
Consult with an Experienced Killeen Criminal Lawyer Today
If you are facing charges that are associated with road rage, Brett Pritchard at The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard in Killeen, Texas, is an intrepid criminal lawyer who cares about your case. Mr. Pritchard has considerable experience and skill that he is committed to focusing on defending your rights. Your case is important, so please do not hesitate to contact us online or call us at (254) 220-4225 for more information today.